Barnsley MP in bid to raise National Minimum Wage

Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis is bringing forward a Private Members’ Bill to raise the value of the National Minimum Wage.

The Make Work Pay Bill, which is being debated in Parliament on Friday, would set a target to bring the minimum wage closer to average earnings over five years.

The Low Pay Commission would lead on implementing the target, and be given new powers to raise productivity and tackle low pay in different sectors of the economy.

Mr Jarvis said: “The National Minimum Wage was one of the last Labour government’s proudest achievements and ended the scandal of people going to work for £1 an hour.

“More than five million people are trapped in low paid jobs.

“Families are on average £1,600 a year worse off since 2010 and the value of the national minimum wage has declined by five per cent over the same period.

“Many of my constituents are struggling to make ends meet, often holding down several jobs and working long hours, so they can support their families. That is why I am introducing my Bill to make work pay to ensure we maintain the bond between our national wealth and the wages that people can take home for a hard day’s work.”